A Look Ahead

2005 NCAA TOURNAMENT

April 6, 2005|By Mike Huguenin, Sentinel Staff Writer

A look at a possible preseason top 10 for next season:

1. Connecticut: This is assuming sophomore F Charlie Villanueva is the only underclassman who turns pro. The Huskies had no seniors of consequence; there's a nice group of recruits, including two shooting guards; and PG A.J. Price, who missed the season with a blood clot in his brain, is expected back on the court. This season, UConn's frontcourt was good enough to make up for depth problems in the backcourt. There should be no depth problems next season.

2. Kentucky: F Chuck Hayes is gone, and the Wildcats will miss his nice all-around game. But every other key player returns -- unless swingman Kelenna Azubuike makes a monumental mistake and turns pro. Look for C Randolph Morris to make big strides as a sophomore.

3. Texas: The Longhorns' touted freshman class from this season should be the focal point of the team next season, and that's a good thing, as PG Daniel Gibson and Fs Mike Williams and LaMarcus Aldridge make for a nice trio. F P.J. Tucker should be academically eligible. And swingman Calvin Miles should be a contributor as a freshman -- if he doesn't turn pro.

4. Duke: Ultimately, the Blue Devils' success will hinge on whether F Shelden Williams -- who basically went it alone in the low post this season -- returns for his senior year. G Daniel Ewing is a big loss, but there's an excellent recruiting class coming in, headed by F Josh McRoberts and G Greg Paulus.

5. Villanova: The Wildcats lose no one of consequence and could have four seniors in the starting lineup. But the pressure will be on the Wildcats next season; they've been under the radar for a while now.

6. Oklahoma: The Sooners return all five starters, and Kevin Bookout and Taj Gray will be a load down low. Improved outside shooting will be the No. 1 goal for next season.

7. North Carolina: This is a team whose success hinges on who returns to school. There are four underclassmen who are potential first-rounders: C Sean May, F Marvin Williams and Gs Raymond Felton and Rashad McCants (who already has indicated he's leaving). If all four were to return, the Heels would be a lock to be the preseason No. 1. If three return, definite top three. If two come back, top 10. If just one returns? Preseason No. 3 in the ACC, even though there's an excellent recruiting class.

8. UCLA: The Bruins' No. 2, 3 and 4 scorers this season were freshmen, and seven of the top nine players return. PG Cedric Bozeman is expected back from an injury and there's a solid recruiting class, too.

9. Indiana: On paper, the Hoosiers will have the most talent in the Big Ten. That means Coach Mike Davis better make sure that translates into an NCAA bid, or he's gone.

10. Gonzaga: Big man Ronny Turiaf is a big loss, but everybody else of importance returns. F Adam Morrison will be a legit All-America candidate, and there's a solid recruiting class. What that means is that Gonzaga needs to stop underachieving and get to at least the Sweet 16 again.